London businesses called on to solve NHS challenges with digital innovation

From today, companies across the capital can compete to join an innovative digital health accelerator, launched to help develop and deploy digital solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing London’s NHS.

Now in its third year, the DigitalHealth.London Accelerator programme will work with 25 small and medium-sized enterprises across the capital to match their products to NHS needs. By speeding up access to the latest digital technologies, the Accelerator ensures that thousands of Londoners benefit from latest technologies to improve their health, and that high potential companies grow faster, supporting economic growth in London’s vital health tech sector.

Technologies that have grown through the Accelerator to date include a smartphone app that slashes A&E waiting times, a digital lifestyle management platform that can reverse type 2 diabetes, and a "USB port for the body" that can host a bionic limb.

Successful SMEs will receive:

- One-to-one support from a designated "NHS Navigator"

- Specialist training

- Support with product development

- Opportunities to meet experts from business, clinical, and government backgrounds

- Regular opportunities to showcase their products with NHS decision-makers and influencers.

Deputy Mayor for Business, Rajesh Agrawal, said: "London is home to some incredible science and technology companies and this scheme has already helped entrepreneurs transform their ideas into products that can help to tackle disease and in turn save the NHS valuable resources. I am sure that the next group of companies to join this initiative will push scientific boundaries and develop the next ground-breaking innovations."

Juliet Bauer, Chief Digital Officer at NHS England, said: "In its 70th year the NHS continues to support the spread of cutting edge innovation, from championing specific innovations to supporting frontline clinicians to develop their services. This NHS initiative has already provided London patients with access to a range of exciting digital innovations, I look forward to seeing patients from across the country benefit as more companies are supported to bring their innovations into the NHS."

Hannah Harniess, interim Programme Director, said: "When SMEs with fantastic products can’t access the NHS, it’s patients that miss out. We’ve seen time and time again that digital technologies can make a major difference and help the NHS save resource – whether it’s slashing waiting times in A&E or helping people to manage long-term conditions and live healthier lives. London is a vibrant hub of innovation. We can’t wait to see the innovations London’s thriving companies put forward this year."

Elliott Engers, CEO of Accelerator company Infinity Health, said: "Being a member of the DigitalHealth.London Accelerator has been an extremely valuable experience for us. As a direct result of the programme we have had the opportunity to meet with senior NHS stakeholders in London. Additionally, we have had the privilege of working with the most experienced health economists and researchers in the country, allowing us to better understand the impact Infinity has on clinical practice and the research methodology necessary to develop a robust evidence-base for our core product."

The London-based programme has worked with 61 companies and provided 600 hours of support, helped secure 27 research collaborations, and supported companies to launch 25 new products. Additionally, alumni have secured more than £15M in funding, and 12 NHS contracts.

Building on this success, the Accelerator programme will also launch across three additional locations for the first time today: East Midlands, Manchester, and South West England.